When asked why a price was announced this early, Gera said: "Pre-orders are flying in today - for example, they've leapt forward significantly, and pre-orders now play quite a key role in the gaming market, whether it's software or in the consoles.

"It allows consumers to really focus in, plan for their PS4 purchase, knowing how much it's going to cost.

"It's been on various websites for example at conservative prices, which had turned out to be wildly higher than the reality.

"Until you can clarify that for retailers, and ultimately for gamers, they can't stop making their mind up. It just helps the whole process along."

Gera added that Sony had planned for years to get an "attractive price point" that offered the best "power for pound note" value for the consumer.